Students research a scientist or mathematician of their choice who is blind or visually impaired and write an essay on the chosen individual.

Preparation:

This assignment was designed to be done outside of class as an extra credit assignment but could be completed in class.

In this case, students will need the means to research the scientist of choice. I would recommend taking the class to the library to research or allowing students to work on devices if internet access is available. Assist as necessary.

Procedure

Assignment:

Research the life and work of a scientist who is blind or visually impaired. You may choose one from the following list or choose any other visually impaired scientist.

Kent Cullers - Astronomer

Dominique Francois Arago - Director of the Paris Observatory

Geerat (Gary) J. Verneij - Marine Biologist

Amy Bower - Oceanographer (Book about her travels written by her husband, David Fisichella: "Seven-Tenths: Love, Piracy and Science at Sea" may be available on Bookshare.)

Cary Supalo - Assistant Professor of Chemical Education at Illinois State University and founder of Independence Science

Robert Shelton - Mathematician, College Professor, Computer Scientist, and Project Manager. He led the project to develop MathTrax and Math Description Engine (MDE) algorithm.

Craig Moore - Chemist with NASA

Greg Williams - Chemist, Independence Science

Marco Midon - NASA Engineer

D. Curtis Willoughby - Electrical Engineer

Patricia Walsh - Engineer and Triathlete

Nathanael Wales - Civil Engineer

Marcus Schmidt - Engineer

Richard Oehm - Engineer

Henry "Hoby" Wedler - Chemist, (student at University of Cal-Davis)

Requirements:

The biography should be at least 1,000 words.

At least 3 sources should be utilized.

A bibliography is required.

Note: You may use any type of writing support necessary as long as the words are yours.

NGSS Standards:

Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World

People’s needs and wants change over time, as do their demands for new and improved technologies. (3-5-ETS1-1)

Engineers improve existing technologies or develop new ones to increase their benefits, decrease known risks, and meet societal demands. (3-5-ETS1-2)

Science is a Human Endeavor

Most scientists and engineers work in teams. (4-PS3-4)

Science affects everyday life. (4-PS3-4)

Middle School - Structure and Properties of Matter

Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Engineering advances have led to important discoveries in virtually every field of science, and scientific discoveries have led to the development of entire industries and engineered systems. (MS-PS1-3)